What to start out on?

[Number5]

So, I'll be taking a class this month and getting my license shortly afterwards. Then, it's all about finding "the" bike.

I'm being told that I should get a Ninja 250. I love the sports bikes. I want a Katana. However, I've never driven a motorcycle before. I've ridden more than I can count, but never had to handle one myself. That doesn't worry me so much really. I can learn and I know how to be careful. I wouldn't even take it out of the parking lot until I felt safe enough doing so.

The thing is, I *love* power. Powerful horses, powerful cars, etc. A 250 seems about like setting me up with a chihuahua when I want a mastiff. :/:

What thoughts do you more experienced riders have about bikes for complete noobs?

[Fuzzy018]

Look at this.

http://www.motohouston.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37352

You can always upgrade bikes after you gain experience.

[BigComfy]

Read this http://www.motohouston.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2576

[sbfuller]

250 ninja, or i would be willing to bet you'd still be ok on a ninja 650... it's not as unforgiving as the 6r. the throttle is much less resonsive than the 6r but still has more power than the 250 and seemed to me like it's be pretty forgiving. it's in the same class as the sv 650, i just think it looked slightly more sporty

[Number5]

Look at this.

http://www.motohouston.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37352

You can always upgrade bikes after you gain experience.

Yeah, I saw that ad. I'm not quite ready to buy *just* yet, but very soon I think.

I'd feel really bad though. If I got that one I'd have to have Pat take me out to get it and let me ride it home. The poor guy would sell his bike to a woman... a woman who wants to ride WITH her guy.

Talk about rubbing salt in the wound, yeah? *chuckle*

Heck.. maybe that would be a good idea anyway then... indulge my random streak of sadism.... :rofl:

[Number5]

250 ninja, or i would be willing to bet you'd still be ok on a ninja 650... it's not as unforgiving as the 6r. the throttle is much less resonsive than the 6r but still has more power than the 250 and seemed to me like it's be pretty forgiving. it's in the same class as the sv 650, i just think it looked slightly more sporty

*adds a suggestion to the list*

And dude... you totaled a 'busa? *choke*sob* You shouldn't be allowed to have another one. Give it to me! I'll keep it safe! :D

[Moody]

The new 250 looks sick!

[lilmckee]

*adds a suggestion to the list*

And dude... you totaled a 'busa? *choke*sob* You shouldn't be allowed to have another one. Give it to me! I'll keep it safe! :D

only if you knew the whole story...:rofl::rofl:

[Number5]

only if you knew the whole story...:rofl::rofl:

Something tells me this is bad.

You gonna tell or leave me hanging?

[wever411]

only if you knew the whole story...:rofl::rofl:
girl drivers are bad :nod: :rofl::rofl::rofl:

[sbfuller]

*adds a suggestion to the list*

And dude... you totaled a 'busa? *choke*sob* You shouldn't be allowed to have another one. Give it to me! I'll keep it safe! :D

actually if you want to be technical about it, my gf totaled my busa... while i was on it... she rear ended me with her car at a red light at about 40 mph...

i have 9 years of street riding experience and about 50K miles during that time, so just blow off what i suggested earlier, i don't know sh!t

[Number5]

The new 250 looks sick!

I'm not sure what I think of it just yet, myself. I'm all in lust with the powerhouse bikes. The 250's are... well... there's no other way to say it...

They look so SMALL!

:angel10:

[Moody]

I'm not sure what I think of it just yet, myself. I'm all in lust with the powerhouse bikes. The 250's are... well... there's no other way to say it...

They look so SMALL!

:angel10:

What exactly are you lusting about the power house bikes? You did say you have never handled a bike on your own.

[Number5]

actually if you want to be technical about it, my gf totaled my busa... while i was on it... she rear ended me with her car at a red light at about 40 mph...

OMG... I have had one time where I thought I was going to hit Pat when he was up on his bike and I was in the car behind him. I never EVER want to feel that horrified again. That sick feeling had nothing to do with the bike and everything to do with knowing what a car can do to a person. Thankfully, I had more room than I thought, so it wasn't even close, but ugh... don't want that experience again! (Brat even laughed at me when we got home and I told him why I looked like I'd seen a ghost!)

Anyway sorry to hit a sore topic, I was just teasing.

No need to act like I'd throw your suggestions out the window though, is there? sheeesh... 'sall cool.

[sbfuller]

OMG... I have had one time where I thought I was going to hit Pat when he was up on his bike and I was in the car behind him. I never EVER want to feel that horrified again. That sick feeling had nothing to do with the bike and everything to do with knowing what a car can do to a person. Thankfully, I had more room than I thought, so it wasn't even close, but ugh... don't want that experience again! (Brat even laughed at me when we got home and I told him why I looked like I'd seen a ghost!)

Anyway sorry to hit a sore topic, I was just teasing.

No need to act like I'd throw your suggestions out the window though, is there? sheeesh... 'sall cool.

not a sore topic, it just seemed you came in blaming me for totaling a busa when i offer my 2 cents... i hate the thought of wrecking a bike. just make sure you know the whole story before you assume about someone's riding skills. i'm not mad though, we're :thumb:

[Number5]

What exactly are you lusting about the power house bikes? You did say you have never handled a bike on your own.

Oh, I haven't. I'm not stupid enough to go out and buy a power bike right off either. But for love of god... someone help me find a bike that'll be a step in that direction so I can learn, ya know?

What about them am I lusting?

Everything? *laugh*

[sbfuller]

i would even suggest to spend a couple hundred dollars and get a 50cc bike... it'll teach you more than you realize about motocycle handling. i'm sure many people here would second that

[Number5]

not a sore topic, it just seemed you came in blaming me for totaling a busa when i offer my 2 cents... i hate the thought of wrecking a bike. just make sure you know the whole story before you assume about someone's riding skills. i'm not mad though, we're :thumb:

Cool. :)

Just take me with a grain of salt. I'm a smartass. A cute smartass, but a smartass all the same.

[sbfuller]

Cool. :)

A cute smartass, .
proof?

[Number5]

i would even suggest to spend a couple hundred of you could and get a 50cc bike... it'll teach you more than you realize about motocycle handling. i'm sure many people here would second that

Really?

*sigh* I hate being a noob. Don't wanna be left home when the big dogs go to play... don't wanna run with the bog dogs either...

*smirk* Wanna leave the big dogs in the dust behind me. :angel10:

[lilmckee]

i would even suggest to spend a couple hundred dollars and get a 50cc bike... it'll teach you more than you realize about motocycle handling. i'm sure many people here would second that

lets see you can get the new ninja 250 (kick ass bike)
AND a pretty much new, (if not new) crf50 for less then the price of a good used 600




if i was just started out id pick the 250 and the 50 hands down

[Number5]

proof?

Tell me how to post a freaking picture here and I'll gladly provide proof!

Though, Pat doesn't seem to think I'm cute. He thinks I'm all hot & stuff. I think it's just the boob tatt washing the sense out of his brain. ;)

[sbfuller]

Really?

*sigh* I hate being a noob. Don't wanna be left home when the big dogs go to play... don't wanna run with the bog dogs either...

*smirk* Wanna leave the big dogs in the dust behind me. :angel10:

really. the 50's are fun, you learn counter steering and comfort leaning into corners, not braking while leaning in a corner. it's really amazing how much similar a 50 is to a larger bike. there is a reason stunters say to learn on a 50 before the big bikes... same goes for just riding in general

[wever411]

Really?

*sigh* I hate being a noob. Don't wanna be left home when the big dogs go to play... don't wanna run with the bog dogs either...

*smirk* Wanna leave the big dogs in the dust behind me. :angel10:
we have a feisty one here...asking about what to start on then talking about leaving the big boys in the dust...you should fit right in.

get a used 250 and learn on it for a little while, sell it for almost what you got it for, then move on to something bigger.

[lilmckee]

whooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

hold up were talking about a female here?!

oh shit, get the 250 and nothing any bigger












ever

[Number5]

*drags the thread back on topic*

Okay, so a 250 isn't the undersized wimp I keep seeing. I can get that concept.

I might be able to handle something a bit larger. (I'd probably decide that AFTER the class anyway, I'm just thinking ahead right now. If I couldn't handle the 50 in a class, I would NOT want something bigger than a 250 to start riding on regularly.)

The next question is...

New, or used? And, what is "good" mileage on a used 250? I've seen the prices on them, so I have an idea there, but the mileage seems to vary.

Also, if I went with a 250, and rode daily, which I plan... (Come on, how cool is it to ride the bike to work... it's not about the gas savings, it's about the cool. We can be honest here) ... roughly how long would I have before I'd be ready to upgrade? 3 months? 6? A year?

A big factor in the decision about which bike to get is going to be practicality. There is nothing practical or even good sense about dropping money on a bike you're going to sell and replace in 6 months or less, IMO. It's too much money out and too much hassle in, when I'm thinking caution and practice can probably make up for inexperience until the inexperience is worked through. (That advice a few yrs ago from a friend who raced.)

And yes, I actually am paying attention to the serious comments. I'm also goofing off because I have NO work to do today and I'm bored to tears.

[sbfuller]

whooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

hold up were talking about a female here?!

oh shit, get the 250 and nothing any bigger





ever


maybe she should just get a lilmckee... that's smaller than a 250!!! :keke:

[Number5]

whooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

hold up were talking about a female here?!

oh shit, get the 250 and nothing any bigger












ever

Oh funny funny there fella.

Watch out... I'll remember that one. And when the day comes, you'll be apologizing. ;) *chuckle*

My dad used to race Nascar. I'm not your "normal" female driver. Not even close. I don't intend to start acting lazy enough to fit into the "female driver" category on a bike either. *grin*

[Moody]

Get a dirt bike!

[lilmckee]

maybe she should just get a lilmckee... that's smaller than a 250!!! :keke:

its true:keke:

Oh funny funny there fella.

Watch out... I'll remember that one. And when the day comes, you'll be apologizing. ;) *chuckle*

My dad used to race Nascar. I'm not your "normal" female driver. Not even close. I don't intend to start acting lazy enough to fit into the "female driver" category on a bike either. *grin*

your dad raced nascar so now....


...you can ride a bike?

i dont get it







it was a joke, shit theres quite a few damn good female riders on here. Granted there all track riders, nevertheless goooooood freaking riders

[Number5]

maybe she should just get a lilmckee... that's smaller than a 250!!! :keke:

*roflmao!!*

Does he do dishes and housework? If he does, I might be able to talk Pat into letting me have one. It's not terribly likely, but... maybe... :keke:

[Number5]

its true:keke:



your dad raced nascar so now....


...you can ride a bike?

i dont get it

No, not my dad raced nascar so I can ride a bike. My dad raced Nascar so I learned to drive like the guys do... not like my freaking mother! *roflmao* that translates to... not afraid to actually get on a rode and GO SOMEWHERE. ;)


it was a joke, shit theres quite a few damn good female riders on here. Granted there all track riders, nevertheless goooooood freaking riders

I know it was a joke. Just serving it back to ya. ;)

[wever411]

definitely get used for a first bike, especially if you're not going to have it for too long.

[sbfuller]

*drags the thread back on topic*

Okay, so a 250 isn't the undersized wimp I keep seeing. I can get that concept.

I might be able to handle something a bit larger. (I'd probably decide that AFTER the class anyway, I'm just thinking ahead right now. If I couldn't handle the 50 in a class, the 50cc is just a small dirt bike. most people buy them to stunt on, but i also have one that i ride around my apt complex for kicks... top speed is about 40mphI would NOT want something bigger than a 250 to start riding on regularly.)

The next question is...

New, or used? used, new one deperciate and you can get a hell of a deal on a year old 250 And, what is "good" mileage on a used 250? 5K - 15K miles. the MSF class uses these and runs the hell out of them, they are toughI've seen the prices on them, so I have an idea there, but the mileage seems to vary.

Also, if I went with a 250, and rode daily, which I plan... (Come on, how cool is it to ride the bike to work... it's not about the gas savings, it's about the cool. it's not about the cool until you know how to handle it. anybody that knows bikes will not think little of you because you chose to start with something you knew you could control We can be honest here) ... roughly how long would I have before I'd be ready to upgrade? 3 months? 6? A year?it's more about miles i think, but i would say a minimum of 6 - 10K miles

A big factor in the decision about which bike to get is going to be practicality. There is nothing practical or even good sense about dropping money on a bike you're going to sell and replace in 6 months or lessbut there is... you don't need a big bike that you'll just drop, tear up, or get yourself injured on, better to start small and learn properly then sell it to someone else to start on and upgrade, IMO. It's too much money out and too much hassle inhassle? it seems you just don't want to put forth the effort to do it, when I'm thinking caution and practice can probably make up for inexperience until the inexperience is worked through.inexperience is much better on a 250 than a bigger bike... when newbs get scared on a big bike and accidentally give it gas, they'll loop the bike, a 250 won't do that. if you get a bigger bike you may never get the opportunity to learn through the inexperience (That advice a few yrs ago from a friend who raced.)

And yes, I actually am paying attention to the serious comments. I'm also goofing off because I have NO work to do today and I'm bored to tears.
answers in bold

[lilmckee]

*roflmao!!*

Does he do dishes and housework? If he does, I might be able to talk Pat into letting me have one. It's not terribly likely, but... maybe... :keke:

lol







my girl makes me do the dishes before bed :/:

[Number5]

really. the 50's are fun, you learn counter steering and comfort leaning into corners, not braking while leaning in a corner. it's really amazing how much similar a 50 is to a larger bike. there is a reason stunters say to learn on a 50 before the big bikes... same goes for just riding in general

Hmm.. I'll give this some thought. The goal is not only to outdistance everyone, but to do it flawlessly. ;)

I just don't know that my budget would love me if I were swapping up bikes every few months.

Though... not much for stunt stuff myself, but if a 50 is good to learn on, might not be all bad to get one and keep it for that purpose when I get a wild hair... yeah?

[lilmckee]

Hmm.. I'll give this some thought. The goal is not only to outdistance everyone, but to do it flawlessly. ;)

I just don't know that my budget would love me if I were swapping up bikes every few months.

Though... not much for stunt stuff myself, but if a 50 is good to learn on, might not be all bad to get one and keep it for that purpose when I get a wild hair... yeah?

right there is your first flaw

theres nothing wrong with being the best

but you should not try to prove yourself, youll only get hurt.

[sbfuller]

Hmm.. I'll give this some thought. The goal is not only to outdistance everyone, but to do it flawlessly. ;)

I just don't know that my budget would love me if I were swapping up bikes every few months.don't sawp every few months but keep the 250 for a while, maybe do a trackday with it, ride it a little more, then get the bike you want. by then you'll know the fundamentals of riding and just use it on a larger, less forgiving scale

Though... not much for stunt stuff myself, but if a 50 is good to learn on, might not be all bad to get one and keep it for that purpose when I get a wild hair... yeah? i got a 50 for my gf to learn on, i ride it more than she does... once you get one you'll be wanting to play on it all the time!!! all the stuff i have told you, i have told my gf too.

[sbfuller]

make sure you check this out, ride it for 10K miles and you'd still get $1800 for it...http://www.motohouston.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37352

[Swift E]

I've got a trackbike for sale that you can learn on ;p

[wever411]

Tell me how to post a freaking picture here and I'll gladly provide proof!

Though, Pat doesn't seem to think I'm cute. He thinks I'm all hot & stuff. I think it's just the boob tatt washing the sense out of his brain. ;)

so did you figure it out? Use either photobucket or other external photo sharing site or use click on the paper clip symbol on the Go advanced page. :thumb:

now let's see :nod:

[lilmckee]

so did you figure it out? Use either photobucket or other external photo sharing site or use click on the paper clip symbol on the Go advanced page. :thumb:

now let's see :nod:

just look at her my space you lazy ass

[lilmckee]

http://www.myspace.com/eleiren

[wever411]

just look at her my space you lazy ass
doesn't work here man

[lilmckee]

doesn't work here man

ah thats right forgive me:banghead:

[Number5]

the 50cc is just a small dirt bike. most people buy them to stunt on, but i also have one that i ride around my apt complex for kicks... top speed is about 40mph

Again... a thought to keep in the back of my mind here... not really planning to be all stunt crazy, but... ya never know. Wouldn't be all bad to have something little to toy around on without death being the result even after I learn to ride something larger.

used, new one deperciate and you can get a hell of a deal on a year old 250 And, what is "good" mileage on a used 250? 5K - 15K miles. the MSF class uses these and runs the hell out of them, they are toughI've seen the prices on them, so I have an idea there, but the mileage seems to vary.

I've heard some good things about these bikes. It's why I'm considering it at all. I hate unreliable machines. *takes notes on the mileage*

it's not about the cool until you know how to handle it. anybody that knows bikes will not think little of you because you chose to start with something you knew you could control

Well, yeah... but ultimately... it is, once you know. Thought that was implied there... that and I was being a little silly in the middle of the serious.

As for something I can control, that's why I'm here asking. Pat has his bike, and I can sit on it ok. He's talked about teaching me some, but so help me I go near it I cringe in fear that I'll scratch it and he'll disown me! *chuckle* I'm just not gonna learn until I have my own. I want to be safe, yes... absolutely. My kids may not live with me anymore, but I'm still Mommy and I still have to get home in one piece so I can be there for them.

I also ... well, to be perfectly blunt about it... I can't *afford* to be buying bike after bike. So, no, in that instance, so long as I'm still looking at a starter bike, swapping out bikes every few months isn't practical for me. *shrug* Just the way that cookie crumbled, not good or bad, just a part of life, ya know?

I also don't want to go out and hunt down the bike of my dreams and then tear the side off of it... or myself for that matter! ;)



it's more about miles i think, but i would say a minimum of 6 - 10K miles

Yeah, I think I've heard that about the miles.

but there is... you don't need a big bike that you'll just drop, tear up, or get yourself injured on, better to start small and learn properly then sell it to someone else to start on and upgrade, IMO.

Responded to above...

hassle? it seems you just don't want to put forth the effort to do it

If I didn't want to put forth the effort you guys would be asking one another who the girl was who died in the wreck after I got out there and screwed up on something that was way out of my league at the moment.... not answering questions so that I have more info on this... right?

No need to act like that about it.

I was, as I said, being a bit silly, which is why I used the parenthesis, and trying to save a little face there and not have to admit that well, this is a major major major purchase for me. I've been saving for months, and I'm still not really there yet. I will be, but still... swapping up bikes after only a few months isn't really feasible. I don't want to end up dead. I also don't want to get bored to tears by a bike after having wanted one for almost 20 yrs. and not be able to do anything about it, ya know? Honest flat fact is, whatever I buy, I'm probably looking at riding for at least a year and probably two. So, again, I want to learn, but I'm looking at an investment and a half here. A bike I could learn on and hang on to for a year or two without feeling like I'm dying for the next step up is what I'm looking for. Without, of course, the loss of life or limb.

Does that make any better sense?

inexperience is much better on a 250 than a bigger bike... when newbs get scared on a big bike and accidentally give it gas, they'll loop the bike, a 250 won't do that. if you get a bigger bike you may never get the opportunity to learn through the inexperience


That is a good point, and the reason I'm asking about it now.

[BigComfy]

Get a busa FTW

[sbfuller]

A bike I could learn on and hang on to for a year or two without feeling like I'm dying for the next step up is what I'm looking for. Without, of course, the loss of life or limb.

Does that make any better sense?


that is why i recommended a ninja 650 or the sv 650. great all around bike, not too much power, not too little, and very forgiving. it's easier to just say a 250 because it is tiny and VERY VERY forgiving, but if you have the maturity level and sense of self to know not to be crazy and to take it slow then you should be ok on either of the 650's

[Number5]

i got a 50 for my gf to learn on, i ride it more than she does... once you get one you'll be wanting to play on it all the time!!! all the stuff i have told you, i have told my gf too.

I don't doubt it... and I talk to Pat a good bit about this too. He's the one that says the 250 is where I should start. He even had me sit on one in a showroom to show me that my feet go flat on the ground on it and to see what I thought of how it feels to sit on one.

He, and you, have made good points, and I actually do appreciate the input. I'm asking here not because I don't appreciate his input, but because I know that he isn't the *most* experienced rider himself, and thought others, with more experience, might have something to add to the list of things I'm keeping in mind. I wasn't wrong.

(Though I'm not sure the requests for pictures have so much bearing, eh? *chuckle*teasing*)


This IS why I'm asking now. I probably won't actually lay out the money until December. Research, listen, get info, feedback, and yes, even opinion now, so I can make a better choice than if I ran out on impulse. Find what'll keep me in a safety range while learning, and hopefully keep up once I have learned.

[lilmckee]

http://www.motohouston.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37823

[BigComfy]

if your really dead set on a bigger bike look into Honda CBR f3's they hav plenty of pep for experienced riders, low power until you get into the upper rpm range, very comfy and it's a honda it won't drop in value

[Faylaricia]

Two girls with the same questions in just a few days? I should go ahead and make some canned answers for stuff like this. :rofl:

I started out with 250 and after 6000 miles I upgraded. I also love fast horses (do you have horses?), fast cars and can tell you that a bike is a bit different. If you ask for a big powerful bike, it is like putting a noob horseback rider on a Thoroughbred race horse and say, "just be calm and tell it to go easy". Rrrrrrright.

If you think a 250 is a bit overkill, then go with a Ninja 500, GS500 or a SV650 (not SV650 S) and you should be okay. Remember, you will upgrade. In riding school, you get the pony first, then the old school horse before you get the 'nice' horses. Same here. Plus, beginner bikes sell good. I made $100 on mine when I sold it. :nod:

btw- In the end, I had no problem keeping up with the 250, at least not in the turns. It was just on the straights where they all took off, but they'll wait on you, trust me. I still don't have the confidence on the big bike that I had on the 250.

Some girls who start on big bikes and drop them a few times lose confidence quickly and then quit riding altogether. I am not sure how tall you are and all but I am sure you get a lot more confidence faster on a 250/500 than on a bigger bike.

[sbfuller]

if you are waiting until december you may want to wait for the new ninja 250's, they look sooo much better.

[Number5]

that is why i recommended a ninja 650 or the sv 650. great all around bike, not too much power, not too little, and very forgiving. it's easier to just say a 250 because it is tiny and VERY VERY forgiving, but if you have the maturity level and sense of self to know not to be crazy and to take it slow then you should be ok on either of the 650's

If anything, for all my talk, I go slower during the learning stages than most people do... and that has been with learning anything. I want to know with perfect clarity and precision just exactly what is what before I go to the next step. So, maturity and sense of self... check.

I have a while to choose. I have a while to think about it.

We'll see what comes out in the long run.

[Number5]

Get a busa FTW

SHH! Don't tease me! I know better!

Doesn't stop the wanting... but dang it.. I just KNOW better. Those things looked like too much sitting STILL! *sigh* :crying:

But dayum... one of those... once I realllly knew how to ride it... *sighs and looks lovesick* I wouldn't need a boyfriend anymore... *lol*

Though.. there may be a boyfriend on the market if he goes out and gets one without me like he threatens to. *lol*

[sbfuller]

SHH! Don't tease me! I know better!

Doesn't stop the wanting... but dang it.. I just KNOW better. Those things looked like too much sitting STILL! *sigh* :crying:

But dayum... one of those... once I realllly knew how to ride it... *sighs and looks lovesick* I wouldn't need a boyfriend anymore... *lol*

Though.. there may be a boyfriend on the market if he goes out and gets one without me like he threatens to. *lol*

i do know a lady that started on a zx14... she has taken to it pretty well, but that is against the odds

[Faylaricia]

if you are waiting until december you may want to wait for the new ninja 250's, they look sooo much better.

As a first bike, I personally would recommend a used bike. You lose too much value leaving the showroom floor and you will most likely drop it and then the loss of value is even worse. Get a beaten up bike that can handle the noob abuse. :nod:

[sbfuller]

As a first bike, I personally would recommend a used bike. You lose too much value leaving the showroom floor and you will most likely drop it and then the loss of value is even worse. Get a beaten up bike that can handle the noob abuse. :nod:

agreed, but if she wants the 250 with the looks, that is about the only way to get it. but like was stated earlier, the 250 is for learning, not looking "cool"

[Number5]

I started out with 250 and after 6000 miles I upgraded. I also love fast horses (do you have horses?), fast cars and can tell you that a bike is a bit different. If you ask for a big powerful bike, it is like putting a noob horseback rider on a Thoroughbred race horse and say, "just be calm and tell it to go easy". Rrrrrrright.

If you think a 250 is a bit overkill, then go with a Ninja 500, GS500 or a SV650 (not SV650 S) and you should be okay. Remember, you will upgrade. In riding school, you get the pony first, then the old school horse before you get the 'nice' horses. Same here. Plus, beginner bikes sell good. I made $100 on mine when I sold it. :nod:

btw- In the end, I had no problem keeping up with the 250, at least not in the turns. It was just on the straights where they all took off, but they'll wait on you, trust me. I still don't have the confidence on the big bike that I had on the 250.

Some girls who start on big bikes and drop them a few times lose confidence quickly and then quit riding altogether. I am not sure how tall you are and all but I am sure you get a lot more confidence faster on a 250/500 than on a bigger bike.

Thanks for the input, and no, I have no desire to be the idiot on the thoroughbred who thinks the horse will listen when you try to stop it. *chuckle* I think you get where I'm coming from though. Don't want to get something TOO small, don't want to be dragged around by something too big.

(*lol* I feel like freakin' GOLDILOCKS!)

As for height, 5'5" AKA same height or a smidge taller than most women, not as tall as some. ;)

[Faylaricia]

agreed, but if she wants the 250 with the looks, that is about the only way to get it. but like was stated earlier, the 250 is for learning, not looking "cool"

Yeah, talking about looking cool. When I started, I looked like a parrot. I wanted to be seen in traffic. I had a green ninja, red jacket, yellow/black helmet with a blue tail bag. :rofl:

I wouldn't mind getting one of the new 250s now. I sorta miss mine in a way sometimes and the new ones look really hot.

[Fuzzy018]

Is the 2008 Yamaha YZF R125 gonna be available in the US?

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc187/Fuzzy018/2008_R125_6.jpg

[Number5]

i do know a lady that started on a zx14... she has taken to it pretty well, but that is against the odds

If I went out and won the lottery... and got a 'Busa... and sent it flying down the road.. with or without me attached...

I doubt seriously I'd ever try again. I'd be just way too heartsick, even if I hadn't been seriously damaged physically.

See... Pat was looking for his bike this past spring. I was going around with him from place to place. Mostly because I used to do sales and so I know how the sales people work. It's an advantage in some cases.

So, we walk into this place.

There are two bikes sitting inside the front doors that I hadn't seen when we were walking up.

I stopped dead in my tracks. Pat and the salesman almost ran me over. I didn't even notice.

My voice quivered and my mouth was dry as old bones as I managed to ask, in a reverent tone, "What exactly is *that?*"

"Ah," says the salesman, "THAT is a Hayabusa."

Someday... *someday* I'm gonna finish that scene out the way I wanted to right that moment... and oooh what a happy day that will be! *laugh* (And take that any way you all want to, I know you will anyway!)

[Number5]

if your really dead set on a bigger bike look into Honda CBR f3's they hav plenty of pep for experienced riders, low power until you get into the upper rpm range, very comfy and it's a honda it won't drop in value

The bigger bike is the goal, not the starting point.

Even I know that much.

[Number5]

Yeah, talking about looking cool. When I started, I looked like a parrot. I wanted to be seen in traffic. I had a green ninja, red jacket, yellow/black helmet with a blue tail bag. :rofl:

I wouldn't mind getting one of the new 250s now. I sorta miss mine in a way sometimes and the new ones look really hot.

Hey, that beats the Power Rangers I've seen.

I just have to ask, side thread for a moment...

Does that stuff (that power-ranger looking gear) protect better or something? I see a LOT of it out there.

Already have helmet and jacket, and no, I am NOT going to be a pink freaking power ranger! But there has to be a reason other than looks for those things... and protection is all I can think of. Am I right there?

[Faylaricia]

As for height, 5'5" AKA same height or a smidge taller than most women, not as tall as some. ;)

I am 5'4 and on most bigger bikes, I am tip-toeing. Hondas are the worst, they have wider tanks and seats, for some reason. The R6 felt good but the salesman had told me real quick that it wasn't a noob bike.:rofl:

[Fuzzy018]

I am 5'4 and on most bigger bikes, I am tip-toeing. Hondas are the worst, they have wider tanks and seats, for some reason. The R6 felt good but the salesman had told me real quick that it wasn't a noob bike.:rofl:

I not a fan on Kawi but the ZZR's are low.

[Faylaricia]

Hey, that beats the Power Rangers I've seen.

I just have to ask, side thread for a moment...

Does that stuff (that power-ranger looking gear) protect better or something? I see a LOT of it out there.

Already have helmet and jacket, and no, I am NOT going to be a pink freaking power ranger! But there has to be a reason other than looks for those things... and protection is all I can think of. Am I right there?

When Skid and I went into a fast food place in College Station once, a kid leaned over and told his dad "Look, the power rangers!" and he kept aweing at us. It was priceless. Yes, it is for protection though, not any other reason.

I had a bad crash at the end of July and the only reason I am able to recover is because I wore good gear. Granted, it was on the track but I always wear gear on the street as well; I am actually considering how I can upgrade my street gear to reduce the risk of injury in case of a crash even more.

[ipath1]

you should look into the ninja 500r , that s what i started on and i think its a great beginners bike, its pretty g and if you need some power its there, i think you wont get over it as soon as you would the 250 .im so glad i went with the 500r , ive had situations where if there was any more power i would have lost the bike,.so its awesome.

[Faylaricia]

Found a pic. Me on the Ninja... No blue tailbag though, didn't use that for Sunday morning rides, only commuting.


http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j80/Faylaricia/Ninja_JIB.jpg


And here is the Ninja next to a blue Busa. The black one is a Ninja 250 as well, by the way. Didn't hold up too bad in a group, did it?

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j80/Faylaricia/Waiting_to_Leave_deleted

[Number5]

[QUOTE=Faylaricia;783669]When Skid and I went into a fast food place in College Station once, a kid leaned over and told his dad "Look, the power rangers!" and he kept aweing at us. It was priceless. Yes, it is for protection though, not any other reason.

[QUOTE]

*ROFL @ THE KID!!!*

[Number5]

Found a pic. Me on the Ninja...

*lol* You certainly were going for ... um... visible!

Thanks for the feedback too.

*making more notes* :)

[Solracer]

I started out on a 1990 kawi Zephyr 550

great bike, PLENTY of power...

Ive got an 05 ninja 500r if youd like to come out and check it out, its not for sale, but I could show it to you tell you about em etc.

[Faylaricia]

*lol* You certainly were going for ... um... visible!

Thanks for the feedback too.

*making more notes* :)

:rofl: Now I have a red bike, so it does match. My helmet was light purple/blue though. I am not sure what I want to replace it with but I am still going with visible. Maybe neon yellow with big pink dots. :keke:

j/k - Some of the Shoei helmets look really nice. :nod:

I'd say, go for protection first, then looks. Crashing sucks but at least I should be back up and running by November. Hopefully ...

[Number5]

:rofl: Now I have a red bike, so it does match. My helmet was light purple/blue though. I am not sure what I want to replace it with but I am still going with visible. Maybe neon yellow with big pink dots. :keke:

j/k - Some of the Shoei helmets look really nice. :nod:

I'd say, go for protection first, then looks. Crashing sucks but at least I should be back up and running by November. Hopefully ...

Wow... a neon yellow helmet. Yeah, you'd be safe then. Anyone in a car behind you might go blind, but YOU would be safe. *lol* That is just a scary mental image. :rofl:



Yes, the Shoei are nice. And yeah, went for protection.

Okay, reached for colors, then judged protection and kept looking until I found the protection in the right color. ;) (I'm stubborn that way. I KNOW they make things in blue, I just have to FIND them!)

[Faylaricia]

Okay, reached for colors, then judged protection and kept looking until I found the protection in the right color. ;) (I'm stubborn that way. I KNOW they make things in blue, I just have to FIND them!)

Blue should be a very common color. Let us know what you are still looking for and I am sure we can help find it somewhere.

[Number5]

Blue should be a very common color. Let us know what you are still looking for and I am sure we can help find it somewhere.

No worries, but thanks :)

I'm down to gloves and boots left to get. Boots will probably be basic black, gloves, eh, I'll find something. My prob with gloves is that my fingers apparently fit a larger hand than mine. I put on gloves, they seem to fit, and then I realize I'd have to lob 1/4" off to make them fit properly.

I used to go through this problem when finding winter gloves.

At least there are what.. a few thousand pair of gloves I can try? :)

[Faylaricia]

No worries, but thanks :)

I'm down to gloves and boots left to get.


I loved my Joe Rocket GPX. They have the stitching on the outside which was a crucial factor for me and are very soft and smooth. They held up well in the crash. I only had a big bruise on my right hand which eventually went away. The bruise was exactly the size of the plastic armor on the top. I'd hate to think what I may have had broken without it. I'll get them again.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j80/Faylaricia/Motorcycles/Crash_TWS_7_21_07/Crash039.jpg


Make sure you get GOOD boots. Mine got shredded and caused me to have a big gash in my foot and a 3rd degree friction burn from whatever scrubbed them off my foot. I had the Sidi Jasmine boots. I will get Sidi again but more like the Sidi Vertigo Corsas. :D I did like the Jasmines because they were super comfy, made especially for women and looked somewhat normal when walking into work.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j80/Faylaricia/Motorcycles/Crash_TWS_7_21_07/Crash013_web.jpg

[Number5]

I loved my Joe Rocket GPX. They have the stitching on the outside which was a crucial factor for me and are very soft and smooth. They held up well in the crash. I only had a big bruise on my right hand which eventually went away. The bruise was exactly the size of the plastic armor on the top. I'd hate to think what I may have had broken without it. I'll get them again.


Make sure you get GOOD boots. Mine got shredded and caused me to have a big gash in my foot and a 3rd degree friction burn from whatever scrubbed them off my foot. I had the Sidi Jasmine boots. I will get Sidi again but more like the Sidi Vertigo Corsas. :D I did like the Jasmines because they were super comfy, made especially for women and looked somewhat normal when walking into work.


Wow, those gloves look like a rabid dog was at them.. and the boots... ouch! *comfort* Not hard to see why you're not riding again yet. Glad you were protected!

The jacket we got for me is Joe Rocket... I'll look at the gloves next time we're out. I like the way the jacket fits. (Not too big, not too small, JUUUUST right.) Maybe they'll have gloves that'll fit better than what I've been looking at.

[FLYIN'DUC]

There is lots of good bikes out there from sv,s to 500 and 650, I love powerhouse bikes as well I have 2 busas and a Ducati 999 and a Ducati 1098, BUT I still have a blast on my wifes ninja 250, and seriously thinkin about gettin a new one, I definately would if they were fuel injected and had slightly more power and better brakes fosho:nod::thumb: The whole idea of gettin a smaller bike is to learn on a less powerfull bike that MIGHT not kill U, aqnd then graduate slooowly to more power:thumb: Could save ur life:nod:

[Number5]

There is lots of good bikes out there from sv,s to 500 and 650, I love powerhouse bikes as well I have 2 busas and a Ducati 999 and a Ducati 1098, BUT I still have a blast on my wifes ninja 250, and seriously thinkin about gettin a new one, I definately would if they were fuel injected and had slightly more power and better brakes fosho:nod::thumb: The whole idea of gettin a smaller bike is to learn on a less powerfull bike that MIGHT not kill U, aqnd then graduate slooowly to more power:thumb: Could save ur life:nod:

See, I'm not even thinking about a 650 yet.

Someone else sent me off to the post about why not to get a 600. I wasn't looking that far up the foodchain! *lol*

Okay... I admit, I'm thinking about the 'Busa... but that's so far in the future it's not even amusing to me. Heartbreaking, but not amusing. *chuckle*

I was just wondering what other bikes people really had for their first bike. What did/didn't they like about them? That sort of thing. I'm gathering info. Trying to look at all the things that I don't know to look at yet.

Glad to hear that even an experienced rider has fun with the Ninja.

The bike I was looking at originally (the one I fell in love with ages ago) is the Katana 750. Everyone take a breath... I already know that's gonna be too much to start on! (See, smart! Slow sometimes, but smart! ;) )

There is however, the GS500... *ponder*ponder*



Yeah, it woulda been easier if I said "Hey, I'm looking for a good starter bike, what do you guys think is the better place to start a, b, or c?" But then I wouldn't have heard half the things I've been told today. ;)

So, lets pick up again this way...

What was YOUR first bike? What did/didn't you like about it? Would you recommend it for anyone else? If you were just starting out, knowing what you know now, would you still get it?

I've heard about a couple of bikes, but isn't there more than one bike that's good for a beginner?

Oh, and I love the look of the sport bikes. The few times I've been up on one with a friend, I've just ADORED it. I'm not saying I have to start there. I know the first bike isn't the last, and it's for learning... so if anyone knows another bike that maybe isn't a sport bike, but has good pros for a beginner... tell me! This is why I ask! :) :)

[houseofpaint]

the new ninja 250 looks sick.....i think me and a few buddies might buy one and race it next year.

[Longnguyen]

^^no, no more new bikes it just means more $$$$$$$$ to spend hahahahaha.

[CaligoneTx]

Started(on the street) with a Katana 600... sport touring bike; did plenty to it and can be raised/lowered easily...

Reliablity? never broke on me in 13k miles; four carb set up always working well... been drop and down a few times between me and teaching others to ride...( i got some stories.) It is a great bike to learn on and will still destroy any cruiser out there... I got the intake, exhaust, all the way down to the leds done on this bike too... it never stops once you start on a bike... :nod:

Now with the busa; had it since may, over 10k mls and have spent at least 200+ each month on it till this last month on upgrades, etc... I need slow down and refocus the molla elsewhere for a bit :/:

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1022/1000340pp7.th.jpg (http://img225.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1000340pp7.jpg)

[Number5]

[QUOTE=Caligonetx;784112]Started(on the street) with a Katana 600... sport touring bike; did plenty to it and can be raised/lowered easily...

Reliablity? never broke on me in 13k miles; four carb set up always working well... been drop and down a few times between me and teaching others to ride...( i got some stories.) It is a great bike to learn on and will still destroy any cruiser out there... I got the intake, exhaust, all the way down to the leds done on this bike too... it never stops once you start on a bike... :nod:
[QUOTE]

I've heard that the Katana's were just amazingly reliable. Always good to hear someone else who liked theirs talk about it.

[Number5]

And.. since I was asked to *prove* that I'm cute...

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd166/PhoenixSavant/me.jpg

[Cody_Rules]

hayabusa or zx-14 fa sho

[Solracer]

check out a 500r, same tried and true bike for like a decade now...

also, the katanas, same thing, that motor has been around for almost 20 years.

[RojerLockless]

250 ninja, or i would be willing to bet you'd still be ok on a ninja 650... it's not as unforgiving as the 6r. the throttle is much less resonsive than the 6r but still has more power than the 250 and seemed to me like it's be pretty forgiving. it's in the same class as the sv 650, i just think it looked slightly more sporty

my gf started on the ninja 650r after the MSF and now i steal it all the time that bike is SO much fun to ride I take it out before my F4i most of the time! lol

+2 on being a good beginner bike too

[CaligoneTx]

hayabusa or zx-14 fa sho

:nod:

dust or bust!

[FLYIN'DUC]

There is a very nice ninja 500 on the board this morning with pics, would be a great bike for U, check it out:thumb: Great deal for a great bike:thumb:

[sbfuller]

So, lets pick up again this way...

What was YOUR first bike? What did/didn't you like about it? Would you recommend it for anyone else? If you were just starting out, knowing what you know now, would you still get it?

:)my first bike was an enduro, a honda NX 125. it was 4 stroke and what i hated about it was that it took a calendar to time it from 0-60. but i rode about 10 miles everyday on it back and forth to school for about 2 years in a tiny town of 1500. i went to college and got an '87 ninja 600. being older it was a tad heavier and not as powerful, would not pop a wheelie even in first unless i REALLY tried. i put about 35K miles on that one in SE oklahoma, then ttok it to california and did about another 5K there before i sold it. moved here and bought the first busa, had it a month and a half, gf totaled it, got the one i have now.

[lilmckee]

There is a very nice ninja 500 on the board this morning with pics, would be a great bike for U, check it out:thumb: Great deal for a great bike:thumb:

http://www.motohouston.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37920

[Mr.P]

I have a Ninja ex500 I've been working on that I'm going to sell soon. 1994. Dark maroon color. All original except for a motor swapped in from a parts bike in place of the original which threw a rod. Gonna ask around $1800. I have the bike together and the motor swap is 95% complete, just need to swap one electrical part from the old motor to the new to complete the job.

[Seth]

Trust me, the 250 is only slow in the straights. And you won't be as mad if you drop it. :thumb:

[BigComfy]

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/mcy/441269775.html

[Chris24]

I want a Katana.

no. you dont. you only think you want one. once you find out what it really is and how it differs from other sportbikes you wont want it. im an avid fan of suzukis and the original katanas were ground breaking at the time...

but its not like 1982 anymore. anyways...

take the class then decide. some of the schools have ninja 250's you can take the class on, id recommend that. then youll have a better idea if that is the right bike for you or not.

[isoplus]

I took my MSF @ Awesome Cycles, and they had Ninja 250 :nod:

[Seth]

I took my MSF @ Awesome Cycles, and they had Ninja 250 :nod:

Me too. Made me want mine ever more. Super fun bike :thumb:

[texlurch]

My wife started out on a used Ninja 250, she is short and she could just reach the ground. She enjoyed it a lot, but after a year she wanted a little more power for the highway. She said the little Ninja gave her a lot of confidence since it is light and the power is easy unless you rev the crap out of it. Plus, resale is great on those things.

She upgraded to a Hyosung GT650R, because we hunted all over for something that could be lowered enough for her, and I didn't want her on a SS600 yet, since she isn't ready for that power. Also she can't touch but one foot on a curb on one... LOL!

Do yourself and your kids a favor and start out with the 250. Especially with no riding experience at all. Toss out what you know about driving cars, because everything from the throttle to the steering to the shifting is diffferent. That way, if you decide to upgrade or that bikes are not for you, you'll be able to sell it for just about what you paid.

[Rybo]

last weekend i went to a kawasaki dealership and the guy recommended me a ninja 500R, i know the only reason he did is because he didnt have a 250 in stock but are they just as good to start out with or is the 250 the only way to go?

[wever411]

I think the 500 wouldn't be too bad to start on...I started on a suzuki 500, a lot less power than the inline fours but just a little more than the 250. i wouldn't recommend a new bike for a first one

[houseofpaint]

last weekend i went to a kawasaki dealership and the guy recommended me a ninja 500R, i know the only reason he did is because he didnt have a 250 in stock but are they just as good to start out with or is the 250 the only way to go?

ninja 500 or 250 are both good bikes to start out with.....

but if you were planning to buy new......get the 2008 NINJA 250!!! those things loook badass.

if you are planning to buy used, you can buy either, they will both have decent resale value as well.

[Rybo]

ninja 500 or 250 are both good bikes to start out with.....

but if you were planning to buy new......get the 2008 NINJA 250!!! those things loook badass.

if you are planning to buy used, you can buy either, they will both have decent resale value as well.

ok i was thinking that the guy just wanted to get a sale but im seriously considering the 08 250 but im planning to upgrade in about 6 months or so (around my birthday in march and according to Honda of Houston about the same time the new 08s will come out), is that enough time to get the hang of it or should i wait longer?

[Seth]

I've been on a 250 for 6 months, almost 7 now and I'm going to upgrade in the near future. It just depends on how much you ride it. You have to remember we're in the rainy cold months almost so you won't get as much seat time. Just every time you go out to ride, try to learn something new. Really get a feel for the bike, don't just start it up and go, actually spend time with the bike. After you do that for a good six months, you tell us how you feel. Only you will know if you are ready to upgrade.

If I'm not mistaken most of the 08's are out and if they aren't now they will be by November, right?

[RACER X]

your first bike should be

cheap
small
paid in cash.

http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/460645684.html

go out and find a used 250 pay cash, resale will still be great even w. the model change.

ride it and i mean ride it, not 1000-2000mi, get some MILES , then sell it.

no need to invest big $ on a learning tool.

and take the MSF first before doing anything bike.

[Rybo]

I've been on a 250 for 6 months, almost 7 now and I'm going to upgrade in the near future. It just depends on how much you ride it. You have to remember we're in the rainy cold months almost so you won't get as much seat time. Just every time you go out to ride, try to learn something new. Really get a feel for the bike, don't just start it up and go, actually spend time with the bike. After you do that for a good six months, you tell us how you feel. Only you will know if you are ready to upgrade.

If I'm not mistaken most of the 08's are out and if they aren't now they will be by November, right?

i know the hondas and suzuki sportbikes wont be out till 08 because i went to a dealership and thats what they told be but i know the 08 250s are coming in the coming months

[eugene]

get the 2008 ninja 250.

[dudewhrsmybike]

+1

2008 Ninja 250 for the win!

[Rybo]

anybody know any good places to get a used 250 from because im trying craigslist but no luck so far...

[RACER X]

make him an offer


http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/463645114.html

road trip

http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/461155946.html

you have to act fast on well priced 250;s, they're cheap so people have cash in hand, and if "you'll come back" w/ $ it'll prolly be sold.

[SCRC John]

I started on a 1982 Yamaha XS650 Hertiage. Cost $500, rode it 7 months and sold it....for $500

[Mr. Sparkles]

Hey guys, new registered, long time lurker.

I have decided on the new 08 250's because I think that it's a great first bike that I'll be owning and it looks like they hold their value over time pretty well. I also took the MSC at awesome cycles and I learned on one of their 250's and it felt like a good starter bike. I plan on upgrading when I feel more familiar and confident with the road.

Does anyone know where I can pick one of the 250's? I hear people saying they've seen them on the roads but the only kawasaki dealership that I found on google is ajfoyt, and they don't seem to have them on their website.

[RACER X]

heard Highlands Kawi. but it'll be feb. '08

[Whorenet]

im sure you can handle a busa, bottle fed, on a stock swingarm, with slicks....

no worries! :thumb:

nah, go with a 250/500....

and not because youre a woman, but because its the smart thing to do...

ninja 250 on craigslist for like 1500? 2 years old? you can sell it for more than that after you learn to ride on it!

[Rybo]

just picked up a 03 250 for 1700 and although i have only rode it for a couple min i love it